Zika, Zika, Zika and the 2016 Rio Olympic Games

The Olympic Games are right around the corner, running August 5-21, 2016. The alarm is ringing loud and clear, as there are many different concerns surrounding this year’s competition (serious water contamination, violence, and government corruption). The most notable concern surrounding the Rio 2016 Olympic Games is the Zika virus, which has been deemed a serious threat by science and medical communities around the world.
The concern that each and every one of us who are considering attending the games should have has been spelled out clearly by a collection of scientists, doctors and professors from around the globe. These individuals are sounding the alarm that the 2016 Olympic Games taking place are a tremendous opportunity for the Zika virus to be contracted and spread worldwide very quickly.

I have been a tremendous fan and supporter of the Olympic Games and have attended several Olympiads. I have also been following the news of the outbreak and spread of the Zika virus and now the news that the World Health Organization Director General Margaret Chan has received a letter calling for the relocation or postponement of the 2016 Rio Summer Olympic Games. According to the contributors of the letter, their findings concerning the Zika virus should result in the games being moved or postponed in an effort to safeguard athletes, staff, reporters and others scheduled to attend the games. It has also been pointed out in the letter that continuing with the games as scheduled would be unethical and lead to the worldwide spread of the disease.

With no current vaccine available to prevent the contracting and spread of the Zika virus, I’m certain that I will not be attending 2016 Rio Summer Olympic Games. The totality of the conditions faced to attend are overwhelming and I make my decision for myself and hope that others are fully informed when making their decision.

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